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Have More Fun
When was the last time you had some good and serious fun? If your to-do list has become the boss of you, if you're so exhausted and overwhelmed you can't remember - all of that is about to change. Have More Fun is your crash course to getting unstuck, laughing freely, and enjoying the ride.
MOPS International CEO, Mandy Arioto, is known to thousands worldwide as a lively storyteller, a force of hope, and an audacious risk-taker. She brings it all in this rollicking adventure of a book bent on helping you do more of what makes you come alive.
Have More Fun is for anyone who has forgotten that fun is an option. In a world where political dramas and cultural uncertainties churn through our news feed every day, Mandy is here to suggest that the answer to many of the most pressing questions is fun.
How do I get more done? Fun.
How do I parent in meaningful ways? Fun
How do I make friends? Fun.
How can I find my purpose? Fun.
How do I spice up my sex life? Fun.
How do I adapt when things don't go as planned? Fun.
How do I improve my marriage? Fun.
Not to mention that choosing fun can be a spiritual discipline - a place to experience the boundless love and joy of God in everyday, surprising ways. If you have ever waited until your to-do list is finished to have fun or you can't remember the last time you really laughed, it is possible you might be taking life, work, or parenting too seriously. Weaving together science, historical trends, hilarious stories, practical ideas and spiritual truth, Mandy uncovers fresh ways to take fun seriously instead.
MOPS International CEO, Mandy Arioto, is known to thousands worldwide as a lively storyteller, a force of hope, and an audacious risk-taker. She brings it all in this rollicking adventure of a book bent on helping you do more of what makes you come alive.
Have More Fun is for anyone who has forgotten that fun is an option. In a world where political dramas and cultural uncertainties churn through our news feed every day, Mandy is here to suggest that the answer to many of the most pressing questions is fun.
How do I get more done? Fun.
How do I parent in meaningful ways? Fun
How do I make friends? Fun.
How can I find my purpose? Fun.
How do I spice up my sex life? Fun.
How do I adapt when things don't go as planned? Fun.
How do I improve my marriage? Fun.
Not to mention that choosing fun can be a spiritual discipline - a place to experience the boundless love and joy of God in everyday, surprising ways. If you have ever waited until your to-do list is finished to have fun or you can't remember the last time you really laughed, it is possible you might be taking life, work, or parenting too seriously. Weaving together science, historical trends, hilarious stories, practical ideas and spiritual truth, Mandy uncovers fresh ways to take fun seriously instead.
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Published April 9, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 28, 2019
I am a MOPS Coordinator and we received a book as part of our group registration. I decided to pick it up and read it as I was wrestling with MOPS International's take on the theme for the next year of MOPS and the way they interpreted the scripture. To start out with, the book seemed light on theology, mostly fluff, but relatively harmless. There were some good thoughts on ways to add more fun to every day life. The book was a light read, not a Christian book, but maybe a self-help one. However, when it is printed by a Christian publisher and written by a women who is a CEO of a Christian organization, it is presented as a Christian book, whether that was the design or not.
As I continued on, there were a few particular parts that stuck out as problematic from a Christian standpoint. In the parenting chapter, Mandy asks "what if our first responsibility in raising kids is to enjoy them?" No, as a Christian parent, my first responsibility is to be an ambassador of Christ to them. After finishing the book, I learned that that particular passage references Rob Bell, who is himself a false teacher. Mandy actually acknowledges that some people won't like that she quotes him in the notes in the back of the book, but says we can disagree with his theology and still listen to his parenting advice. Well, no. that doesn't work for me.
When I got to the chapter on Spirituality, there were more red flags. Mandy makes light of faith and at the end suggests taking communion with cake and champagne. Communion as based in scripture is a very serious time of reflection and confession as we remember our sin and the gift of God's grace. It bothers me that she takes it so lightly.
I find Mandy's theology to be vague. It is hard to pin down what she believes. Having more fun and being joyful is great, but it is not what God means in scripture when he talks about abundant life. There is far more to it to that. It also feels like MOPS took Mandy's book and ideas first and then tried to find a scripture to sort of match up with it.
Overall, this book left me questioning the leadership of MOPS and the organization as a whole. This author has an opportunity here to reach many women with the gospel of Christ and she fails completely. It's disappointing to say the least. If you are a Christian woman reading this book, use caution.
As I continued on, there were a few particular parts that stuck out as problematic from a Christian standpoint. In the parenting chapter, Mandy asks "what if our first responsibility in raising kids is to enjoy them?" No, as a Christian parent, my first responsibility is to be an ambassador of Christ to them. After finishing the book, I learned that that particular passage references Rob Bell, who is himself a false teacher. Mandy actually acknowledges that some people won't like that she quotes him in the notes in the back of the book, but says we can disagree with his theology and still listen to his parenting advice. Well, no. that doesn't work for me.
When I got to the chapter on Spirituality, there were more red flags. Mandy makes light of faith and at the end suggests taking communion with cake and champagne. Communion as based in scripture is a very serious time of reflection and confession as we remember our sin and the gift of God's grace. It bothers me that she takes it so lightly.
I find Mandy's theology to be vague. It is hard to pin down what she believes. Having more fun and being joyful is great, but it is not what God means in scripture when he talks about abundant life. There is far more to it to that. It also feels like MOPS took Mandy's book and ideas first and then tried to find a scripture to sort of match up with it.
Overall, this book left me questioning the leadership of MOPS and the organization as a whole. This author has an opportunity here to reach many women with the gospel of Christ and she fails completely. It's disappointing to say the least. If you are a Christian woman reading this book, use caution.
April 28, 2019
I got this due to my involvement with MOPS, the organization she is in charge of which is meant to be a ministry to moms. While the book has some funny stories in it, I found it was seriously lacking in the faith and solid Biblical teaching aspect. It felt more like a good old fashioned self help book relying on your own power- which is fine if that is what you are going for. In terms of of using it as a base for a year’s curriculum at you ministry where you wish to point people to Jesus- not so much. I expected much more and came out disappointed.
February 19, 2020
Here is my “thesis” as it were: Mandy is engaging and has a fun (haha pun) and relevant message that threads the gospel in lightly, but my one reservation is that the book propagates the idea that fun is the be-all-end-all when, in reality, the Bible clearly shows that fun is not to be our #1 saving grace or goal.
I am a MOPS coordinator, and when I lead my MOPS group, I use the MOPS curriculum to further our group’s needs and facilitate women growing closer to God—and I think this book is something akin to the MOPS curriculum: Most things work really, really well, but the others that don’t I leave by the wayside. Mandy has a gift for storytelling and engaging people; she is charismatic and clearly cares for ALL the world, not just the churched. I think that’s one of the things that allow this book, and Mandy, to connect and reach out to people who may not subscribe to the idea that Jesus is Lord. There is no pretension in her, and her anecdotes are delightful. There’s been controversy in the MOPS community over the idea of her putting into writing that she (gasp) went skinny dipping with her husband, but as someone who is “in the world but not of the world” (i.e. I work a full time job and interact daily with nonbelievers as opposed to only rubbing shoulders with those who subscribe to Christianity), her message must surely resonate with the average person so much more due in part to her “realness.” (And, seriously, if one were to have issues with skinny dipping with one’s own husband, then I must recommend the MOPS Intimacy Collective!) Our goal in MOPS and life is not to play the Puritan but to exhibit the grace Christ has imparted to us undeservedly! So easily we turn others off with stodginess and lack of love and grace when Christ was the antithesis of the Pharisees!
However. There are issues. As noted above, Mandy spends an entire book talking about fun and its role in life, and while it is a great message, fun is not why God put us here on earth; as the age-old catechism put forth for children everywhere: “Q: Why did God make you and all things? A: For His own glory.” We are here to glorify God for HIS pleasure, not our own... but I do so love how following His plan brings joy! (Note: Joy is not a direct synonym for “fun” 😉)
I am a MOPS coordinator, and when I lead my MOPS group, I use the MOPS curriculum to further our group’s needs and facilitate women growing closer to God—and I think this book is something akin to the MOPS curriculum: Most things work really, really well, but the others that don’t I leave by the wayside. Mandy has a gift for storytelling and engaging people; she is charismatic and clearly cares for ALL the world, not just the churched. I think that’s one of the things that allow this book, and Mandy, to connect and reach out to people who may not subscribe to the idea that Jesus is Lord. There is no pretension in her, and her anecdotes are delightful. There’s been controversy in the MOPS community over the idea of her putting into writing that she (gasp) went skinny dipping with her husband, but as someone who is “in the world but not of the world” (i.e. I work a full time job and interact daily with nonbelievers as opposed to only rubbing shoulders with those who subscribe to Christianity), her message must surely resonate with the average person so much more due in part to her “realness.” (And, seriously, if one were to have issues with skinny dipping with one’s own husband, then I must recommend the MOPS Intimacy Collective!) Our goal in MOPS and life is not to play the Puritan but to exhibit the grace Christ has imparted to us undeservedly! So easily we turn others off with stodginess and lack of love and grace when Christ was the antithesis of the Pharisees!
However. There are issues. As noted above, Mandy spends an entire book talking about fun and its role in life, and while it is a great message, fun is not why God put us here on earth; as the age-old catechism put forth for children everywhere: “Q: Why did God make you and all things? A: For His own glory.” We are here to glorify God for HIS pleasure, not our own... but I do so love how following His plan brings joy! (Note: Joy is not a direct synonym for “fun” 😉)
May 25, 2019
3.5ish stars. I'm on the fence. This book seemed to be right up my alley. Women? Having more fun? That sounds like something I want more of! However, it should have a disclaimer as this book is for a very specific demographic: white, middle class, suburban, Christian, women with children. She's a mom and former youth pastor, so those two identities show up strongly. I decided not to judge her too much and listen to a voice I wouldn't normally seek out, just to see what I could glean from it. The book is short and fun is universal, right? I skipped a good portion of the parenting chapter because I had no interest in it, otherwise I read on. (Many women who don't fit in the aforementioned demographic, like myself, may find themselves skipping personally irrelevant bits of the book.) I was initially, and momentarily, turned off early on because she uses the watered down phrase "racial tension" instead of just saying racism. That was the first sign that this book may not be my style. It has noble intentions, but isn't fully 'woke'. However, the empowerment chapters that have true feminist vibes and draw from history are full of the aliveness/fun/awakening force a woman might really need in her life. There is a strong call in this book to make spiritual practices more fun as well. I wouldn't call this book preachy, but she does reference her faith many times.
Arioto promotes body love, writing strangers love notes, being unconditionally kind, starting outlandish and fun traditions, and leaving unnecessarily crappy life habits behind. She asserts that we all need to be spending less time planning our lives and more time in the moment. I wholeheartedly agree. The grand plan is not the lofty world-changing goals but the moments spent loving and laughing. She does a better job of sounding less cliche them I am right now. There were definitely strong tidbits and life-giving storytelling in this book that I would very much recommend. It definitely infused lightness and power into my day. If you have an insecure girl still living in your adult female psyche, this book might inspire you and reset a dreary life perspective. That alone makes this worth a quick read.
Overall, infuse more 'life' into your life is the message. I can dig that!
Arioto promotes body love, writing strangers love notes, being unconditionally kind, starting outlandish and fun traditions, and leaving unnecessarily crappy life habits behind. She asserts that we all need to be spending less time planning our lives and more time in the moment. I wholeheartedly agree. The grand plan is not the lofty world-changing goals but the moments spent loving and laughing. She does a better job of sounding less cliche them I am right now. There were definitely strong tidbits and life-giving storytelling in this book that I would very much recommend. It definitely infused lightness and power into my day. If you have an insecure girl still living in your adult female psyche, this book might inspire you and reset a dreary life perspective. That alone makes this worth a quick read.
Overall, infuse more 'life' into your life is the message. I can dig that!
October 14, 2019
I had the pleasure of getting to hear Mandy Arioto speak at MomCon a few years ago and parts of her talk from that day still resonate with me. Her engaging and lively style translate to the page. Arioto's book is a quick read about infusing one's life with more lighthearted joy. Her book is targeted to MOPS members and as someone who spent her fair share of time in MOPS, I recognize the optimistic style. Have More Fun doesn't dig deep and covers a lot of territory quickly making the book feel a little superficial in scope, but it's a good conversation starter.
April 11, 2019
Once upon a time, I made a bucket list full of fun adventures. Now I make To Do list for cleaning my house. What I loved about this book is Mandy's real examples on hope to bring fun back in to my home. I don't have to go Cliff Diving, but just stopping and embracing the laughter around me is enough. Have More Fun is for every mom who just feels overlooked and overwhelmed!
March 6, 2019
Loooooooved this book! Interesting, fun, easy to read and a powerfully simple idea to have more fun with your life! I consider this book a personal challenge!
February 17, 2020
I am neither a mother nor a Christian but I am going through a challenging life transition, and this was the perfect length and tone (mostly) of a pep talk that I needed.
May 16, 2023
In a season of feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to stop being so uptight, I picked up this book hoping for some direction on letting go and laughing again. On page 151, Mandy makes it clear she does not care about negative book reviews. But I feel a warning for this book is necessary. When she quoted Richard Rohr in chapter one I thought, stop reading now. But I hate the feeling of not finishing a book, so I finished. But I wouldn’t recommend it to others. She did make some good points, but also some unBiblical ones. Here are a few highs and lows that stuck out to me:
First the good:
* Mom’s attitude affects the whole family; find joy in our kids.
* Stop checking your phone and regain a sense of wonder about the world.
* “Treat yourself” isn’t helpful, doesn’t increase positive emotions or decrease negative emotions. But treating others does.
* Stop apologizing so much.
Then the questionable:
* She encourages a PG-13 life over a “precious faith-based film.”
* She endorses the enneagram (which I knew was coming after the Richard Rohr endorsement)
* Shares she has a sailor mouth that would make “Jesus blush.”
* Is a self-proclaimed “pastor.”
* Encourages cake and champagne for communion.
Overall, this book was not helpful (unless your idea of fun is dressing in costume and acting like a child) and almost seems to encourage “light” sin as fun and living a Godly life as boring. Do I think Jesus laughed and wants us to enjoy life? Absolutely! By swearing and taking light the remembrance of his sacrifice for me? Not a chance.
First the good:
* Mom’s attitude affects the whole family; find joy in our kids.
* Stop checking your phone and regain a sense of wonder about the world.
* “Treat yourself” isn’t helpful, doesn’t increase positive emotions or decrease negative emotions. But treating others does.
* Stop apologizing so much.
Then the questionable:
* She encourages a PG-13 life over a “precious faith-based film.”
* She endorses the enneagram (which I knew was coming after the Richard Rohr endorsement)
* Shares she has a sailor mouth that would make “Jesus blush.”
* Is a self-proclaimed “pastor.”
* Encourages cake and champagne for communion.
Overall, this book was not helpful (unless your idea of fun is dressing in costume and acting like a child) and almost seems to encourage “light” sin as fun and living a Godly life as boring. Do I think Jesus laughed and wants us to enjoy life? Absolutely! By swearing and taking light the remembrance of his sacrifice for me? Not a chance.
April 26, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I was thinking...I think I'm sort of fun! But I had no idea how much I needed to read these words! From parenting to everyday life, this book has caused me to take a look at what really matters, to slow down, to take things easy and enjoy the little things. I loved the practical tips at the end of each chapter and I plan to look back at those when I'm feeling stuck in certain areas. Highly recommend this read!!
April 11, 2019
Mandy's book helped me realize how I had been sitting on the sidelines of my own life- remembering to plan, clean, launder, cook, repeat. She taught me how to put more groove back- and get out of the hum drum place I was in!
September 7, 2019
This was a really quick fun read! Mandy is a great storyteller and there were some great tips to incorporate fun into your life!
September 24, 2019
4.5 stars, a really good read!
June 6, 2024
Have More Fun by Mandy Arioto is a short and inspiring read. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, where the narrator is upbeat and brings an aspect of fun to the reading of the book. This book has a conversational and at times, storytelling feel, thus allowing me to simply enjoy the book, rather than take notes. I also liked how Arioto weaves in some examples and stories from the Bible, without being preechy. If you’re looking for some inspiration on how to live with a perspective shift, in order to bring more fun into your life, give Have More Fun a read.
February 5, 2022
I feel that it's ironic to need to read a book to learn how to have more fun but I recommend it! Easy read, great points that I never thought of before and new ways to view and incorporate fun into every day life. I really enjoyed Mandy's view point and knowledge she has shared.
April 29, 2025
it was a nice book to read outside in the sun this week! quick and easy to understand! Enjoyed the stories at the end and some of the quotes. I would suggest this just as a light read and not deep study purposes.
February 26, 2024
“You will not believe how much more you can hear hope and love in your life when you quiet the competing outside voices.”
i didn’t agree with some of her theology & how she portrays the Lord/christianity (it’s much more charismatic) but overall it was a sweet reminder that life should be more fun! && we have the opportunity to look for special & fun moments in literally everything we do.
i didn’t agree with some of her theology & how she portrays the Lord/christianity (it’s much more charismatic) but overall it was a sweet reminder that life should be more fun! && we have the opportunity to look for special & fun moments in literally everything we do.
March 4, 2023
Imagine if someone transcribed the videos of “wacky,” parenting Tik-Tok influencers and then tossed in some vaguely Christian vocabulary. And then it repeated ad nauseum. I picked this up on a whim and now I understand why people tell me I have terrible instincts.
February 2, 2020
Very repetitive
January 27, 2020
Some great antidotes and thoughts the author leaves you with about how to get more done, parent more meaningfully, and improve your marriage. FUN. She gives suggestions of things to do at the end of each chapter and wants you to rekindle what makes you feel alive.
Favorite quote: "Bad day. Not a bad life."
Favorite quote: "Bad day. Not a bad life."
August 6, 2019
“I got to thinking… About all those women on the titanic who passed up dessert.” - erma bombeck
“We love the idea of doing things once and for all, but this is not where meaning is found. We don’t take communion once and for all. We don’t love our spouse once and for all. We don’t parent once and for all. We don’t do the dishes or the laundry or the vacuuming once and for all. We don’t read, enjoy the commute or shave our legs once and for all. We return, in what turns out to be a secret connection, to the mundane task, to the moment. And then we do it again. Over and over. Again. This is the raw material of our living. And none of it is to be overlooked. This is not insanity or hilarity or nuisance or idiocy. This is the task of humanity. To return. To reinvest. To breathe. To begin again. The focus is on the process, the participation, not the product. Ever.” - leena tankersley
“Theodore Roosevelt lived this theory. He was the first president to refer to the presidential mansion is the White House, the first president to host a black man at a White House dinner, and the first to appoint a Jewish person as a cabinet member. He was also the first president to travel outside the United States while in office, and the first American to win a Nobel peace prize. (Don’t forget the first to bring a pony into the White House for an elevator ride because he was going to make his kids day…)” - Mandy Arioto
“My friend Phil took this idea and made it his own. He decided a few years ago to commit to taking the slow lane for one month. It was an intentional choice to take control of the pace of his life. If he was at the grocery store, he chose the longest line. If he was driving, he took the slowest lane. The only stipulation was that he couldn’t use the time he was spending waiting in the slow lane to look at his phone. After 30 days of practicing taking the slow lane, he said his life felt different. He took time to talk to people in line, he wasn’t so hurried or anxious, he was happier and kinder, he was having more fun then he’d had in a long time, and even though he was slowing down, he felt like he had more time in his day.” - Mandy arioto
“We love the idea of doing things once and for all, but this is not where meaning is found. We don’t take communion once and for all. We don’t love our spouse once and for all. We don’t parent once and for all. We don’t do the dishes or the laundry or the vacuuming once and for all. We don’t read, enjoy the commute or shave our legs once and for all. We return, in what turns out to be a secret connection, to the mundane task, to the moment. And then we do it again. Over and over. Again. This is the raw material of our living. And none of it is to be overlooked. This is not insanity or hilarity or nuisance or idiocy. This is the task of humanity. To return. To reinvest. To breathe. To begin again. The focus is on the process, the participation, not the product. Ever.” - leena tankersley
“Theodore Roosevelt lived this theory. He was the first president to refer to the presidential mansion is the White House, the first president to host a black man at a White House dinner, and the first to appoint a Jewish person as a cabinet member. He was also the first president to travel outside the United States while in office, and the first American to win a Nobel peace prize. (Don’t forget the first to bring a pony into the White House for an elevator ride because he was going to make his kids day…)” - Mandy Arioto
“My friend Phil took this idea and made it his own. He decided a few years ago to commit to taking the slow lane for one month. It was an intentional choice to take control of the pace of his life. If he was at the grocery store, he chose the longest line. If he was driving, he took the slowest lane. The only stipulation was that he couldn’t use the time he was spending waiting in the slow lane to look at his phone. After 30 days of practicing taking the slow lane, he said his life felt different. He took time to talk to people in line, he wasn’t so hurried or anxious, he was happier and kinder, he was having more fun then he’d had in a long time, and even though he was slowing down, he felt like he had more time in his day.” - Mandy arioto
April 10, 2019
Mandy Arioto's Have More Fun called me out for spending too much time "pinning" and not enough time doing, and had me crying all within the first two chapters.
I loved this book!
I received a free advance review copy of the book because I'm a MOPS member and I signed up for the Have More Fun Street Team. What I loved most about the book, aside from the content inside it, was the fact that the chapters were short and snappy. They got to the point very quickly. This isn't a book that is going to take you a long time to finish, and let's be honest, as moms we often don't have a lot of time to read a book. (I have a long commute, so I think I might be the exception.) With this book, you can get through a chapter while your kids are watching TV and you're in the kitchen stirring dinner. (That's what I did!)
And you'll definitely want to read this book while making dinner - and during any other free time you have - because it's a book that will help you find your joy. Through multiple facets of your life - parenthood, fitness, body image, marriage, and more - Arioto outlines how to take your everyday situations that may seem dull, stale, or just plain hard and find the fun.
So many parts of this book really spoke to me. I shouldn't settle. I shouldn't continue searching for community because it's right there all around me. Bad days happen, but they don't mean I'm living a bad life. It doesn't matter where we are in life. It only matters what we do with what we have. I'm sensing Gandalf vibes here: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." So choose fun!
You don't have to be a MOPS member to understand this book. (Arioto is the CEO of MOPS International.) You don't even have to be a mom. You just have to be a woman who used to have fun but has forgotten how because too many "adult things" have taken over.
You can have fun again!
Have More Fun is available on bookstore shelves now. I received a free advance review copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2020
A little bit "traditional" with gender views, but good message.
July 20, 2019
I read this as part of a book club that I decided to commit to before knowing the book.
First, I'm not big on self help books. Second, I am very much NOT religious or spiritual. I was leery about the book because of this, due to Mandy's bio and the blurb, and was concerned about it being all about faith and Bible and all that.
The friend hosting the book club said it wasn't very focused on being religious. I respectfully disagree. It wasn't as preachy as I expected, but it was too much for me to become invested in the book.
Also, many of the chapters didn't hit the mark I expected from their titles. There could have been more to each idea.
I also both appreciated and am disappointed that there was no reference to mental illness in this. Appreciated because there were no ignorant things said like "just have fun and you'll be happy" or "do this instead of taking meds!" (I rage at supposed self help books that do this). But I'm also disappointed that she didn't take into account the women who deal with mental illness, anxiety, depression, and suggestions for fun things that take into account the weight these conditions have.
I liked the overall message, to have fun, and a few of her quips and ideas were good. She was easy to read and follow. I definitely enjoyed the chance to hang out with and celebrate my mom friends through this book club. But I guess this genre isn't my cup of tea.
First, I'm not big on self help books. Second, I am very much NOT religious or spiritual. I was leery about the book because of this, due to Mandy's bio and the blurb, and was concerned about it being all about faith and Bible and all that.
The friend hosting the book club said it wasn't very focused on being religious. I respectfully disagree. It wasn't as preachy as I expected, but it was too much for me to become invested in the book.
Also, many of the chapters didn't hit the mark I expected from their titles. There could have been more to each idea.
I also both appreciated and am disappointed that there was no reference to mental illness in this. Appreciated because there were no ignorant things said like "just have fun and you'll be happy" or "do this instead of taking meds!" (I rage at supposed self help books that do this). But I'm also disappointed that she didn't take into account the women who deal with mental illness, anxiety, depression, and suggestions for fun things that take into account the weight these conditions have.
I liked the overall message, to have fun, and a few of her quips and ideas were good. She was easy to read and follow. I definitely enjoyed the chance to hang out with and celebrate my mom friends through this book club. But I guess this genre isn't my cup of tea.
April 10, 2019
With my involvement in MOPS, I quickly became a fan of Mandy's. She is full of encouragement and words of wisdom for those moms with young kids. When I've heard Mandy Arioto speak, she draws me in with a story and leads me to a truth I am desperately needing to be reminded of. This book is no different (except it applies to everyone, not just moms!).
I loved reading "Have More Fun." I was stuck in the mundane, the routines, the messes, the sibling fights and I didn't know how to get out. I was stressed about getting it all done. And in Mandy's typical fashion of gently telling you a story about herself or a friend or a long-ago someone, she leads you to a truth you desperately need. Example: "Have no fear about dancing like no one is watching. Because no one is watching, they are checking their phones. So dance away."
She talks about all aspects of life including parenting, marriage, work, relationships, and even church. How we take it all so seriously and neglect to actually enjoy any of it. I especially enjoyed the lists of ideas at the end of each chapter -- because I can't remember what is fun anymore!
It was an easy read and very encouraging. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to add joy back into their life.
I loved reading "Have More Fun." I was stuck in the mundane, the routines, the messes, the sibling fights and I didn't know how to get out. I was stressed about getting it all done. And in Mandy's typical fashion of gently telling you a story about herself or a friend or a long-ago someone, she leads you to a truth you desperately need. Example: "Have no fear about dancing like no one is watching. Because no one is watching, they are checking their phones. So dance away."
She talks about all aspects of life including parenting, marriage, work, relationships, and even church. How we take it all so seriously and neglect to actually enjoy any of it. I especially enjoyed the lists of ideas at the end of each chapter -- because I can't remember what is fun anymore!
It was an easy read and very encouraging. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to add joy back into their life.
April 9, 2019
I am an adult. I am a mom. I have always wanted to be a mom, but somewhere in that process, I got lost, and fun was non-existent. I’ve known of Mandy Arioto, from my participation in Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), and always admired the fun that she projected into her presentations, conferences, etc. When I heard this book was coming out, I KNEW I had to read it! Like many others, I read the book in *nearly* one sitting (because, let’s be honest, the kids needed me). It is so relatable to the adult-human-condition. She weaves my life on the pages in front of me, and reminds me to smile, and to have more fun! The book is an easy, enjoyable read, that touched my heart in many ways! Every adult, who may be needing a lift, a reminder of what fun life is supposed to be, should read this book, right away!
March 5, 2019
This book is a must for anyone who feels like their life is missing that spark that other people seem to have or if you’ve lost the spice of life you once had.
Mandy writes in a relatable, genuinely real and fun way that makes you feel like she’s your best girlfriend having coffee with you. There are HILARIOUS stories that will make you cry just as much as the heartwarming, heart string tugging ones will. Along with the stories, she provides practical ways of adding more fun and having more fun in your life, in every area from marriage to work to parenting.
Get all your girlfriends, young, old, new, whether they’re a mom or not, this book. It’s truly refreshing and just makes you feel good reading it!
*I received an advance reader copy of this book to review.
Mandy writes in a relatable, genuinely real and fun way that makes you feel like she’s your best girlfriend having coffee with you. There are HILARIOUS stories that will make you cry just as much as the heartwarming, heart string tugging ones will. Along with the stories, she provides practical ways of adding more fun and having more fun in your life, in every area from marriage to work to parenting.
Get all your girlfriends, young, old, new, whether they’re a mom or not, this book. It’s truly refreshing and just makes you feel good reading it!
*I received an advance reader copy of this book to review.
April 11, 2019
SO MUCH FUN! Is that to much of a cliche to use?!? If so, I don't care. This book has given me so much freedom back into my life. The book is a super quick and to the point read, which I love. It's also hilarious and filled with so many fun stories. Mandy is the realest person and isn't afraid to share her stories with you. I love her honest and easy way of story telling. I love her suggestions on how to have more fun even more. Fun is hard for me to do. I can't get out of my head enough to actual just have fun so having some really good ideas on how to do fun has been a breathe of fresh air! I am so thankful to have been able to read this book ahead of time and share it with people I know!
March 7, 2019
Loved this book! Who doesn’t want to live a life full of fun!? Mandy is the queen of fun, although she will be the first to tell you it wasn’t always that way. She figured out how to add an element of fun to every area of her life and shares her wisdom with readers in Have More Fun. Each chapter focuses on one aspect of life: parenting, marriage, spirituality, etc, and ends with practical tips and ideas of how to implement fun into that area of your life! This book was an easy read and one that made me excited to add some more fun into the life I live.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the publisher.
May 11, 2019
3.5 stars.
super quick read. I didn't know anything about Mandy Arioto and there are bits of this that don't resonate with me but the overall sentiment is so near and dear to my heart and something I really want to do. There are so many little pieces of gems here but the part I loved the most is how she talks about putting having fun with your kids and liking your kids above trying to fix all the things they do wrong. I can't remember her exact wording but the idea of liking them as people and having fun with them is exactly what I want to put as #1 in our lives. I want them to look back on these years and smile with all the fun we had.
super quick read. I didn't know anything about Mandy Arioto and there are bits of this that don't resonate with me but the overall sentiment is so near and dear to my heart and something I really want to do. There are so many little pieces of gems here but the part I loved the most is how she talks about putting having fun with your kids and liking your kids above trying to fix all the things they do wrong. I can't remember her exact wording but the idea of liking them as people and having fun with them is exactly what I want to put as #1 in our lives. I want them to look back on these years and smile with all the fun we had.
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